Overview

The Back-to-Lab Post-Doctoral Fellowship programme, offered by KSCSTE, is designed to support women scientists who have experienced a career break of at least 01 year post PhD, due to family or personal commitments. This initiative provides a platform for qualified women with a Ph.D. in Science or Engineering to re-enter active research and contribute to the scientific community.

The fellowship is intended for unemployed women who are permanent residents of Kerala and is typically awarded for a maximum duration of 2 years.

How to Apply

Interested candidates may reach out for application guidance or queries via:

📧 Email: wsd1kscste@gmail.com
📞 Phone: 0471-2548402

(Online application details will be updated on the KSCSTE portal when the call is active.)

Fellowship Benefits

• Monthly Fellowship: ₹60,000/– per month consolidated
• Annual Contingency Grant: ₹75,000/-
• Tenure: Up to 2 years

Eligibility Criteria

• Gender: Only women candidates are eligible.
• Domicile: Must be a permanent resident of Kerala.
• Employment Status: Applicants must be unemployed and on a career break at the time of application.
• Financial Support: Should not be receiving any salary, stipend, or financial assistance from any other source.
• Educational Qualification:
  • Ph.D. in Science or Engineering (completed at the time of application).
  • Minimum 60% marks in Post-Graduation.
• Age Limit:
  • Maximum age: 40 years as on the date of application.
  • Relaxation: 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST candidate

• Research Centre Requirements:
  • Should not be the same as the candidate’s Ph.D. institution.
  • Should preferably be located in Kerala. However, exceptional institutions outside Kerala such as IISc, IITs, IISERs will also be considered.
  • Must be a Government Institution (R&D institutions (State/National level) or University Departments)/ Private R&D Institution*

* Private organizations wishing to host KSCSTE Back to Lab Post-Doctoral Fellows should meet ANY 02/ 04 basic requirements as listed in the revised guidelines (with effect from November 2025) and should furnish the details during online submission of application.

• Publications: At least one research paper published in an SCI journal or a secured patent.
• Restrictions: Candidates who have previously availed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from KSCSTE or any other agency are not eligible to apply.

Contact Information

Dr. Jaya Jacob
Scientist-in-Charge (KSCSTE-BLP)
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom,
Thiruvananthapuram – 695004, Kerala
📞 Tel: +91-471-2548402
📧 Email: jaya.kscste@kerala.gov.in

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